As an avid dress lover it’s always a joy to discover a new dress brand. There are so many beautiful dress styles out there but I truly believe making the right decision on a dress means it can be something you pull out year after year and still bring happiness and that fuzzy feel good feeling. These are some dress brands I’m currently crushing on, a few I discovered at The Daily Dress Edit Pop Up last month. Yes many of these brands are a bit more on the expensive side but what they are producing are unique styles, made in a slower more ethical way than the fast cheap fashion of the high street. They are styles that are timeless and you will pull out time after time. Plus you are less likely to spot someone in the same dress on you when buying from a smaller brand!
First up is Johanna Sands, a label I discovered via Studio B. She hand makes all her dresses in small limited edition runs (expect a long but worth it wait) in England. Premium linen and gauzy cotton fabrics make up the dresses inspired by holidays on the Amalfi coast in dreamy colours - soft pinks, navy and mint. I’m wearing the Concetta Dress. A loose, oversized midi dress with an elasticated ruffle neckline and bow straps on the shoulders.
Main Image at top: I’m wearing Concetta Mint Linen Dress, £160 Basket Bag Maison M
From Left: Perla Blue Linen Dress £195, Concetta Navy Linen Dress, £160, Stella Cotton Gauze Dress £195
Next is Day Dress, a brand that makes hand block printed dresses in hand-woven khadi cotton from the amazing WomenWeave in Maheshwar, India. There is something very nostalgic about their styles plus the fabric is SO SO soft!!
Each dress is printed in the traditional way, by hand in a small workshop in Jaipur, the results are painterly and totally unique. They seem to sell out pretty fast so keep an eye on their Instagram and website for the latest updates. These are the kind of dresses that work on so many levels for so many types of occasions and are classic investment pieces. The hard part is picking which one!
Main Image at top: I’m wearing Olympia Dress in Jaipur Flower £235
From Left: Isla Dress in Jaipur Flower £225, Zita Dress in Brocante Stripe, £245, Zita Dress in Pink Cornflower £245
Tallulah & Hope very kindly sent me one of their stunning dresses to try. This is the Electra Maxi Dress and the print and cut are so stunning! They specialise in feminine resortwear such as floaty kaftans and easy fit floaty dresses in original prints.
Main Image at top: Electra Long Tie Maxi Dress £300
From Left: Xanthe Long Shirt Dress, £190 Fifi Smock Dress Coyote, £250 Salina Kaftan This Flight Tonight £200
Pink City Prints create hand embroidered, printed and boho style dresses out of India. This sustainable fashion brand has beautiful colours and prints and the dress shapes are super flattering and feminine. I fell in love with this Botanical Dress that I tried on at the Daily Dress Edit Pop up…
Main Image at top: I’m wearing Botanical Dress £150
From Left: Indigo Prairie Dress, £150 Spring Botanics Prairie Dress £150 and Summer Botanics Hippie Dress £165
Bailey & Buetow are a new British vintage inspired womenswear brand that mainly do printed styles. Again there are boho vibes and a relaxed spirit in high end fabrics. I fell in love with this Audrey Print Boho Dress they sent me and it will be well used this summer (with sandals) and beyond (with ankle boots).
Main Image at top: I’m wearing Audrey Print Boho Dress £195 Woven Espadrilles £15
From Left Alexis Wrap Dress, Astrid Ribbon Print Wrap Dress £175 and Arabella Floral Dress £150
I’ve been stalking Little Tienda on Instagram for a while now. They are based in Australia and make season-less, ethically made, limited edition pieces - artisan feminine frocks at their finest (yes they do ship to the UK). For me they just look like the most comfy styles in natural fabrics with pretty details.
Main Image: Pink Luana Dress AU $360
From Left: Maribel Dress AU$320, Lulu Stripe Dress AU$140 and Picnic Raquel Dress AU$299
Lastly is Innika Choo - a brand that is fast becoming a cult favourite on Instagram. Famous for its smocking, scalloping, frills, twirly hems and tiers, these are statement romantic dresses for living out your boho princess fantasy!! They do have UK stockists such as Net a Porter and Selfridges too.
Main Image at Top: Broderie Peasant Dress US $227
From Left Smocked Embroidered Mini Dress £335, Hand Embroidered Noir Daisy Tea Dress US$370 Gingham Scalloped Dress £348